1st antenatal class at 36 weeks!

[AnaFeb]

Hi Ladies,

I am due in Feb, and my 1st NHS antenatal class is booked at 36 weeks! Although I tried to book them way in advance, I was constantly told that they don't have a schedule for the new year yet

I am concerned that I might only be able to attend the 1st one, and miss out on the remaining 2 classes (2nd and 3rd classes will take place in weeks 37 and 38!).

Has anyone attended all 3 classes? If so can I get some info on what all will be covered so that I can do my own preparation based on the topics? Thanks in advance!

[roxannacar]

Surely that depends on where you do the classes ... my NHS hospital only offered one full day rather than sessions. They covered things like signs of labour different stages, pain relief available, a bit about caring for baby, however I attended a separate breastfeeding class

[bluewanderlust]

There is a good chance you will be able to attend all the classes before your baby arrives as you are not actually due until week 40. There is lots of information and advice available online . Explain your concerns to your midwife and see if she has any information she can give you, she is there to support you x

[Munyze]

Hi! I had absolutely zero classes and me and my baby are doing very good... the things I thought during labour was to breathe and try to relax when I could. My baby was born with 41weeks and I was induced... I learned how to do everything with the baby by myself... it's feeding, cuddling, cleaning... maybe it helped that I took care of an old lady that needed diapers changed... but he is now 7 months and I never had to take him to the hospital and he is growing beautifully

Wish you a good hour!

[roxannacar in reply to Munyze]

Heh I'm sure you can find a YouTube on nappy changing too!

[Hidden]

I’m in a similar situation. I’m 34 weeks, and, like you, phoned months ago to book these classes and was told they didn’t have the classes organised for the New Year although December was the ideal time for me but because of Christmas etc. these classes wouldn’t run. January is a bit tight as the classes last 4 weeks where I live - 1 session per week lasting 90 mins. I start these on Tuesday so will be able to tell you more then. All the best.

[AnaFeb in reply to Hidden]

Hi Pamanham, how was your first session?

[Hidden in reply to AnaFeb]

Sorry, for not getting back to you sooner.

It went well although the room was too warm and so I was glad I had a bottle of water!

There are 4 sessions (1.5 hours each). The 1st session was the stages of pregnancy. There were about 9-10 of us there and I was the only one whose husband didn’t attend so I felt a bit odd - he was working late and unable to attend but is hoping to make it next week.

Whilst we waited for everyone to arrive, we were given a questionnaire to complete. It consisted of about 10-12 questions about the various stages of pregnancy. I learned quite a bit from that.

The midwife did some ‘games’ for husbands/partners to get them involved too which was nice. They all seemed engaged and willing to join in.

The midwife took us through the initial signs of labour, what to do when it all starts and when to go to hospital. Then, how they will monitor the baby throughout and what gadgets they may use to help with the delivery, if required.

It was very informative, not scary at all. There were plenty of diagrams and actual equipment to look at so that if required, it will be 2nd nature and not too surprising. I found it all helpful as this is my first.

Next week is all about pain relief.

I hope that helps.

[AnaFeb in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for taking the time to give detailed info. Your sessions sound really good. I hope mine are as much helpful too.

[Hidden in reply to AnaFeb]

No worries. I went with a completely open mind as I wasn’t sure what to expect at all.

The final items were if you’d like your partner to cut the cord, if you (and/or your partner) would like skin to skin contact as soon as baby has been born and the removal of the placenta.

There were lots of things I hadn’t considered and for me it was all very useful. If it was my second baby, I’d possibly not bother attending as you’d already have the t-shirt.

I have my 34 week midwife appointment tomorrow and as I’ve had a few days to absorb all the info, I have a couple of questions for her.

I’m sure most of the information could be found online but the midwife who took the class had many years of experience and was able to tell us some stories of pregnancies and labour that she has assisted with as we all experience it differently.

Good luck with yours.

[emmab178]

No sessions are offered in my area and we are doing ok at 6 weeks.

I had a breastfeeding session at nct but midwives watching you and baby and providing specialised advise is a lot better than a class.

[roxannacar in reply to emmab178]

Several websites show you how to do it... it's easier to practice once you have an actual baby tho!!

[AnaFeb]

Thanks ladies for all the advice. Hopefully I'll be able to attend them all. I am looking at youtube videos too. xx